The Orlando Magic should not anticipate finding lottery-level talent at No. 18 in the NBA Draft, but one promising guard could fall down boards.
Duke Blue Devil Jared McCain lands in various destinations across mock drafts, but one of the latest sees the Magic swiping him with their pick. The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor recently mocked McCain to Orlando, with prospects such as Kel'el Ware (Indiana) and Tristan Da Silva (Colorado) going ahead of him.
"McCain’s shotmaking and playmaking skill would be a dream fit with Orlando’s existing core pieces," O'Connor wrote. He continued to describe him as a "sharpshooter with a savvy sense for playmaking" with "shades of Seth Curry."
Orlando has drafted four guards in the first round since 2020, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and Jett Howard. Suggs is the only one to pan out into a solid starter thus far, while Anthony shows much tenacity on the defensive end. Black and Howard are entering their sophomore seasons, meaning allowing them time to develop is crucial. Adding McCain to the already crowded backcourt would likely spark a lack of confidence in the front office, along with at least one of them heading out the door.
